Taxes Blog

Sales tax holidays, take two

Last weekend was the big one for the August back-to-school sales tax holidays. But three more events kick off this weekend.

Florida, which took some time off from the no-tax events because of budget concerns, is back, starting today, Aug. 13, and running through Sunday, Aug. 15. For those two days, however, Sunshine State shoppers won't have to pay sales taxes on clothing, footwear and accessories costing $50 or less each; books priced at $50 or less; and school supplies that sell for $10 or less each.

Massachusetts was a bit slow in joining the tax holiday parade, but on the last day of this year's legislative session agreed on a two-day event. Shoppers will be spared the states 6.25 percent sales tax on Saturday, Aug. 14, and Sunday, Aug. 15, on just about anything that costs $2,500 or less.

Connecticut is making a week out of it. The Nutmeg State's sales tax holiday begins Sunday, Aug. 15, and runs through next Saturday, Aug. 21. During those seven days, shoppers won't have to pay sales taxes on apparel and shoes as long as the items cost $300 or less.

Once more tax holiday is scheduled this month. Texas will exempt purchases of clothing, footwear and school supplies from state and local sales taxes on Aug. 20 through Aug. 22.

And a couple of states, Illinois and Maryland, are wrapping up their sales tax holidays this weekend.

Maryland shoppers have through Saturday, Aug. 14, to purchase tax-free items, while Illinois can visit their favorite stores for no-tax shopping through Sunday, Aug. 15.

Check out Bankrate's table of all the August sales tax holidays, where you'll find links to official state pages with details on the events.

Did you shop or do you plan to shop during tax holidays this year? Did you save money? Did the holiday prompt you to buy items you wouldn't have? Or did you, as critics of the holidays contend, simply shift your usual shopping to take advantage of tax savings?

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